Former India player Shantha Rangaswamy has urged Harmanpreet Kaur to leave captaincy, saying it is overdue. Speaking to PTI, Rangaswamy mentioned that leaving the captaincy would help the 36-year-old Harmanpreet to contribute as a batter. The next ODI World Cup is in 2029, and the T20 World Cup will be held next year.

Smriti Mandhana, who is 29, is the leading contender for the captaincy post. “It is overdue. Harman has been brilliant as a batter and fielder. She fumbles tactically at times. If she leaves the post after the World Cup win, it will not be taken lightly, but she should consider the move in the best interest of the team and her own interests. I think she can contribute more as a batter without captaincy,” she said.

“She can play for another three to four years, and not being skipper would help her to do that. Smriti Mandhana should lead India across formats. You need to plan for the upcoming World Cups,” she added.

Rangaswamy pointed out the lack of firepower in the bowling department and the need to improve the fielding. “Battling looks settled, but not the bowling and fielding,” she concluded.